The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1887-09-14
THE DELTA METAL.
Discovery OF an Alloy of Considerable In.
forest and importance.

Discovery of an Alloy of Considerable In.
terest and Importance.
The discovery of alloys possessed Of
special properties has attracted the at
tention Of metallurgists from the earli-
est times, whose constant attempts to
form successful admixtures Of two or
more metals in varying proportions
have produced many combinations OF
high value in industry and art. One
of tho most recent discoveries of this
class has received the name of Delta
metal, and is formed by the introduce
ton of small percentage of iron into
copper-zinc alloys.
Nearly a quarter of century ago,
Aich and Baron Rosthorn OF Vienna
perceived the high character possessed
by this compound both as regards
strength and tenacity. No practical
results, however, followed their obser-
vations, and the matter remained in
allegiance till within a comparatively
recent period, when the difficulties ex-
perienced by the early promoters in
producing an admixture Of reliable
and absolutely uniform character were
overcome after considerable research
by the introduction of q definite and
known quantity Of iron, also a per-
centage of phosphorus; and in some
cases tin, manganese and lead, when
special qualities are required. The
iron becomes chemically and not mere
ly mechanically combined in the alloy,
fact proved by the inability of rust
to corrode, and the magnetic needle to
become attracted by the metal under
consideration. Thus Delta metal was
placed on the market as an article OF
commerce. carrying with it certain
sterling characteristics.
The specific gravity of Delta metal
is84-th is to say. it differs but lit
tic in weight from copper; while its
melting point is eighteen hundred de-
grees. In color, the alloy bears close
resemblance to gold, whilst it pos
sesses the great advantage, as we have
said, of being untouched by rust OF
corrosion. This fact, taken in con-
junction with the excellent results at
tanned both as regards tensile strength
and elongation, and the cost at which
it can be produced being identical
with that obtaining for the best brass,
make it evident that future undoubt-
ly lies before Delta metal
Amongst other advantages, the al
10y can be worked both hot and cold,
and can be rolled, stamped,
cast, forged or brazed with equal
facility. The castings are par
ticularly sound and free from
blowholes-a frequent source of loss
and annoyance with those made in
brass-whilst possessing, it has been
computed, three times the strength of
brass castings.
Delta metal can be applied to the
following uses: parts of rifles, guns,
torpedoes, tools for gunpowder-mills,
parts of bicycles, gongs, etc.-former-
ly made of steel; in pumpwork, to
supersede brass, and extensively in
ships fittings; in chemical manufact-
ures, where other metals would rapid
ly corrode; in shutters, for bolts and
nuts, propellers, anchors, cranks. cog
wheels; and in large number of or
namental and domestic goods, har-
ness-tittings spoons, forks, cups, fend-
ers, vases and candelabra, and large
variety of other goods where hand
some appearance is desideratum.
Chambers Journal.